Kenya Reaches 29 Million Registered SHA Users
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on January 28, 2026
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presented an overview of Kenya’s healthcare system and the legislative roadmap for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during the 2026 Legislative Retreat of the National Assembly. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula presided over the event.
Social Health Authority Progress
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has registered over 29 million Kenyans. A total of Sh130.4 billion has been collected, and Sh93.4 billion has been disbursed since the rollout began.
Primary Healthcare Access
To improve access to government-financed primary healthcare, the Ministry of Health is implementing the Green Label Service Charter in public and private facilities across all 47 counties.
Digital Health Systems
The ministry is leveraging digital innovation to strengthen service delivery. Currently, 10,277 facilities are onboarded to national digital health systems, and 30,087 devices have been deployed nationwide. This enables real-time reporting from health facilities and supports data-driven decision-making.
Health Workforce Stabilization
Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are playing a vital role in UHC reforms, with 107,000 CHPs on the frontline. UHC staff have received salaries according to Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) rates since September 2025, marking a significant step in workforce stabilization.
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Reforms
Transformative reforms at KEMSA have resulted in a 91 per cent fill rate for last-mile delivery.
National Equipment Support Project (NESP)
The National Equipment Support Project (NESP) is equipping county hospitals with modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. Contracts worth KES 6.18 billion have been signed to expand access to specialized services at the county level.
Maternal and Newborn Health Initiatives
Initiatives under the Every Woman, Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) agenda and the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) are targeting 26 priority counties to strengthen emergency obstetric care and blood services.
Global Health Security Advancement
Kenya is strengthening its role in Global Health Security through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), which includes expanded laboratory networks and Emergency Operations Centres to improve early detection and response to public health threats and pandemics.
Legislative Priorities
Health Cabinet Secretary Duale urged the National Assembly to prioritize health as a whole-of-government effort and emphasized the need for coordinated action across ministries. The Ministry is fast-tracking the passage of the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, to guarantee safe, high-quality healthcare under the SHA. A review and harmonization of existing health laws is also being proposed to ensure constitutional alignment and coherent implementation.
Retreat Attendees
Senior health officials attended the retreat, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, and Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health Dr James Nyikal.
